Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn

Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn is a Neolithic burial structure with a central chamber connected to four smaller side rooms through narrow passages. The passages stand about one meter high, making movement through them somewhat challenging.

This tomb was built around 5000 years ago and reflects the burial practices of early farming societies in Scotland. Excavations in 1901 revealed human remains alongside the skulls of dogs and cattle.

The way bones were arranged inside the chambers reveals how early communities honored their dead through specific rituals. The presence of animal remains suggests that dogs held a meaningful place in their daily lives and beliefs.

Entering requires crawling through a low entrance passage, so wear clothing you do not mind getting dirty. Bring a flashlight since the interior is dark, and allow time to move carefully through the tight spaces.

The unusually large number of dog skulls inside points to these animals having held special ritual importance for the builders. Finding so many animal bones in a single tomb is uncommon for burial sites of this period and region.

Location: Orkney Islands

Location: Firth

Website: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/cuween-hill-chambered-cairn

GPS coordinates: 58.99734,-3.10814

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43